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BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech-savvy 13-year-old Madison had one wish – to learn all about the science behind Disney theme parks from the very Imagineers who create them. While undergoing treatment for leukemia, Madison (Maddie) read "The Imagineering Story" and watched "Behind the Attraction" on Disney+. This inspired her wish to meet the Imagineers who bring the parks to life, and one day become an Imagineer herself.
On July 17, 2025, a day after touring the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) campus in Glendale, Calif., two especially magical moments collided: Madison joined Imagineers to see their work come to life during her first trip to Disneyland Resort while the original Disney park celebrated its 70th anniversary.
During Madison's wish, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Make-A-Wish® America President and CEO Leslie Motter made a surprise appearance to celebrate Madison as Disney's 170,000th wish kid, marking a historic milestone for Disney and Make-A-Wish.
"We are honored so many Make-A-Wish kids choose Disney," D'Amaro said. "Our Imagineers were thrilled to show Madison how they bring our stories to life in our parks. Fulfilling her wish on the 70th anniversary of Disneyland made the moment even more special."
"Disney has supported Make-A-Wish from the very beginning, and now 45 years later, we are making a greater impact together than ever before," said Leslie Motter, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. "170,000 wishes granted is a testament to the company's steadfast commitment to delivering hope and joy when it's needed most to wish kids and their families around the world."
Highlights of Madison's exclusive VIP tour at WDI included a special Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance panel hosted by five Imagineers, where she learned about the attraction's cutting-edge technology and creative process. She also met with Imagineers who shared insights about their work in ride technology, Audio-Animatronics figures, and Disney Live Entertainment. Madison was even able to explore the rich history of Imagineering and Disneyland Resort through sketches and archives at the Imagineering Resource Center.
The next day at Disneyland, Imagineers hosted Madison and her family for a full day of fun. After a special walkthrough of Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park, the attraction she was the most excited to experience, the family visited Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, where she was once again surprised by D'Amaro - this time joined by Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum and the BDX Droids.
Madison later had the chance to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run with Imagineers who worked on the attractions. The trip culminated with Madison's recognition during The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade and a memorable tour of Walt Disney's apartment on Main Street, U.S.A, where she was presented with a special autograph book signed by Imagineers.
"Meeting the Imagineers felt like something out of a dream," said Madison. "I want to bring joy to people like they do."
About Disney Experiences
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company's powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 70 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world's leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 57 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with six ships and plans for seven more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai'i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's publishing brands; one of the world's largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the Disney Store e-commerce platform.
These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships.
About Make-A-Wish®
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes worldwide; more than 390,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.
SOURCE Disney Experiences
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